15 hours Ago By Anjali Jhangiani
1 2 Pune: In the early hours of Pune's morning haze, while most of the city sleeps, 12 determined girls lace up their boots and hit the football field. They are the Maratha Legions , Maharashtra's first all-girls blind football team, and they are preparing to represent the state at the national-level IBFF League this June in Gujarat. However, to make it to the field, they first need to fund their journey.
The team, formed by local NGO Mai Bal Bhavan, is currently raising Rs 1.3 lakh to cover train fares, accommodation, meals and essential sports gear such as sound-enabled footballs, uniforms, shin guards, shoes and kit bags. "We need this support not just for Gujarat but for future tournaments, including international ones where we may represent India," said team member Swati Mane.
The team includes players from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu—Muskan Gupta, Pooja Mali, Chetna Patariya, Gayathri M, N Keren Kirubai, Harshada Kalbhor, Bhagyashri Ruggi, Swati Mane, Deepali Kamble, Deepali Pawar, Bhuvneshwari, and Rathod Mahi Bhikhabhai. Many of them already represented India in international training camps in Kochi and Malaysia. Deepali Kamble said the sport transformed her.
"I became more confident and focused. Our coach encourages us, and we train with a sound-enabled ball," she said. Bhagyashri Ruggi added, "I always loved sports, but football became my favourite from the first game.
Our coach trained us like sighted players with techniques adapted for us." She was part of the team of 10 players that won the gold medal at the tournament in 2022. "This summer, the Maratha Legions are not just chasing a trophy.
They are fighting for visibility, equal opportunity, and a chance to play the game they love. The girls wake up at 3 am, train from 4 am to 6 am, and hit the gym again from 11 am to 2 pm. We focus on diet and strength too," said Ruchira Deshpande, president of Mai Bal Bhavan.
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